Spotlights + sierra alternator, how many is too many?

[weaves]

Hey guys,

Do any of you have any experience with running multiple spotlights off a 1.3 sierra alternator?

With the times available for me to 4wd getting less and less daylight hours i'm forced into finding a solution to the dark that surrounds me.

My idea, take 6 small spotties (the 55w foglight looking ones that have the flood beam lenses). And attach them around the car, two front, two off the window hinge pointing sideways, and two at the rear.

I'm just worried this will overwork the alternator. And i imagine this could cause problems like weak spark and things like that.

When wheeling i don't have the radio on, i don't have a UHF but would be something i would like to get in the near future. I wouldnt run the lights while the engine isn't running.

the car is a 1.3 seirra with a few month old alternator in it.

So do you think i will have problems with this set up or should i look into a twin battery and/or twin alternator set up. I would really like to stay with sierra alternator as i have the rebuilt on in it plus one rebuilt one as a spare + 1 dead one for parts.

weaves

[cmcd]

6 x 55w = 330w
330w @ 13V = 25.4A

Factor in your normal headlights on high beam as well:

2 x 60w = 120w
120w @ 13v = 9.2A

Just your lights will be drawing 34.6A.

From the quick Google I did, it looks like you've got a 45A alternator?

How much do you want to spend? Though about 35W HID conversions?

[weaves]

I can't get my head around electrics.

but the way i read it is this,

The seirra alternator isn't going to handle that amount of Amps being drawn.

so lowering Amps of the lights or having less lights are the only option with the standard alternator which i do beleive to be the 45A one. (without running a second battery to have them run striaght off that).

i'm honestly trying to keep this cheap as i can guarantee i will hit the lights or smash them reguarly.

i might look through a narva/hella catalogue for something LED and running less of them.

or i'll price up a ford 100A alternator conversion.

Thanks cmcd for that info. that exactly what i couldn't work out.

weaves

[danssurf82]

i have a vitara i run two 150 w spotties, uhf, cd player, gps, headlights and fridge and have no problems.. maybe buy a vitara alternator, same plug at the back just have to switch the pully over... last one i bought cost me $60 from the wreckers...

i need a dual battery set up so i can run my fridge all night without getting a flat battery in the morning...

[Pezooki]

Hi weaves.

Just do the Falcon 100 / 110A alternator upgrade. Then, if you have the cash, fit an OPTIMA battery (a D34 or D34M is the one you will want.) It will be one of the best things you ever do to your Zook!

Have a read of ALL of these :

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/phpBB2/ft ... or+upgrade

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/phpBB2/ft ... or+upgrade

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/phpBB2/ft ... or+upgrade

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/phpBB2/ft ... or+upgrade

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/phpBB2/ft ... or+upgrade


Cheers,

Pez

[foolsp33d]

gotta say the 100/110 amp IS the way to go...(should be able to pick up a second hand working alt. for $50.)

depending if you go multi rib belts or V pullys

MULTI RIB:
Crank pully: Barina or Swift Multi Rib.
Waterpump: Vitara 1.6 litre
Altenator: Original multi ribbed from donor.

V belt:
Crank pully: stock
Waterpump: Stock
Altenator: RUMOR is bosch V bely pullys work and align. some members have had wins, others losses. Go the multi belt.. its not that much more in cost for the pullys.

Just a quick question on that conversion that isnt listed in the links is wiring up the plug. Steve(gwag.) did do a quick mention, but to go the step further, does anyone have it in pictures?

the Ford alt has a single plug with two contacts. (one is listed as + on the plug itself) I connected this one to power(with ignition) on the original zook loom. the other plug from the Alt. went to the spare plug from the loom..

The 'constant power' was upgraded to a THICK cable, and reconected the original suzuki unit also.

My only REAL dilema is that I dont seem to have a battery light now... hmm.. Is it wired incorrectly!? does anyone have a 100% this is right answer as to which way the plugs should be going!??

[Santos]

multi rib set ups also pave the way for pwr steering, on-board aircompressor/welder or supercharger set ups

[ronoor]

head light wiring upgrade my lights are great now. cheers ron

[Wally07]

I just did the 100amp conversion and my light doesnt work either but the alternator is charging.

All up cost me $40 for the alternator from the wreckers and another $40 for 2 belts from supercrap. This was on a g16a import motor so multi ribed belt was alredy there.

Wally

[weaves]

thanks for all the info guys.

i've got a pair of lights to put on this weekend to get me in the bush
wheeling at night

i'm looking at rebuilding the engine right after rego anyway, hopefully with a supercharger setup, so i'll do the alternator and multi rib belt then, and add the rest of the lights. the alternator upgrade is the only way thats going to be sufficient for all future needs aswell.

weaves

[sheps]

in my sierra i have a choice between highbeam and driving lights or
fridge and aircon.

[McGyver]

i did the ford alternator conversion because they are cheaper than buying new suzuki ones, my original died from mud, 2nd suzuki alt died from a standard battery, 5 lightforces, headlights etc.

im about as handy as a chocolate teapot and i did everything myself
and had no problems, i used the single v belt

it cost me about $100 for the conversion
it cost me about 300 to replace burnt out standard suzuki ones

hope any of this helps

[Gwagensteve]

One terminal is IG+
The other is marked L and that goes to the light.

I had hassles because my body loom is from a 1.0, so I had to eliminate the external regulator. Once I did that it was all good.

I don't have pictures. (Sorry)

Steve.

[zookeenie]

jaycar do a HID conversion for H1,h2,h4 lamps for about $90 buck ea.
put this on your front spotties,and leave the 55w in the rest,that should give you enough spare capacity on the alt..when would you have all 6 running simultanously anyway,unless you are going round in circles??as long as it doesnt rain or the window fogs up and you have to load it up with fans and wiper motors it should be right(wiper motors are a killer!)